The Monumental Mammoth now stands in its permanent home at Ice Age Fossils State Park, Nevada, where visitors can experience its towering presence up close. Set against a landscape rich with echoes of the Ice Age, this 315-acre park in North Las Vegas offers interactive exhibits, nearly four miles of trails, and a glimpse into prehistoric history.
The Story of This Sculpture
I was approached by a 16-year-old Girl Scout with a big idea: help build and design the exterior metal skin of a massive, life-sized Colombian Mammoth. Who says no to a 16-year-old Girl Scout?!
So we got to work. Inspired by the Tule Springs Fossil Beds, we created a mammoth that not only honors Nevada’s rich Pleistocene past but also highlights the importance of protecting public lands. The metal skin is made from repurposed objects collected during clean-up efforts, giving new life to discarded materials while paying tribute to the ancient giants that once roamed this landscape.
Now, The Monumental Mammoth stands tall, a reminder of history, conservation, and what happens when a determined young person asks for a little help with a big dream.
The Vision Behind The Mammoth
As it turns out, Tahoe Mack had a vision that aligned perfectly with what I do best. When she set out to create The Monumental Mammoth for her Girl Scout Award project, she didn’t just want a massive sculpture—she wanted it to be built from recycled materials, a true testament to conservation and sustainability. And, well, that just happens to be my specialty.
With a clear mission in mind, Tahoe pulled together an incredible team. She chose Luis Varela-Rico and myself, along with Protectors of Tule Springs, to make this mammoth a reality. Every piece of metal used in the sculpture was repurposed and salvaged from clean-up efforts, giving new life to discarded materials while paying tribute to the ancient creatures that once roamed these lands.
Now standing proudly at the trailhead in North Las Vegas, The Monumental Mammoth is more than just a sculpture. It’s a symbol of history, creativity, and the power of young leadership. It welcomes visitors to explore the parklands, reflect on Nevada’s prehistoric past, and be reminded that when art and conservation come together, something truly extraordinary can happen!
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